Aging and well-being in Goa, India: a qualitative study

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Mental Health Research

Background:

• India's rapidly aging population presents significant health challenges, particularly increased non-communicable diseases and late-life depression.
• Older adults in Goa face unique demographic shifts impacting their well-being and mental health.
• Qualitative research is essential to understand local contexts for effective health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To inform the development of a culturally appropriate intervention to enhance the well-being of older adults in Goa, India.
• To specifically address the prevention of late-life depression within this demographic.
• To identify key themes influencing the mental health of older adults in the region.

Main Methods:

• Conducted semi-structured interviews with 20 individuals aged 60 and above in Goa, India.
• Utilized thematic analysis on interview transcripts to identify emerging themes.
• Developed a coding scheme to systematically analyze qualitative data.

Main Results:

• Key themes included negative perceptions of old age, fears of widowhood and incapacity, and prevalent health conditions like joint pain, diabetes, and heart disease.
• Emotional distress was commonly described as 'tension,' 'stress,' 'worry,' and 'thinking.'
• Family issues, financial concerns, and limited awareness of community resources were significant factors affecting well-being.

Conclusions:

• Findings align with existing research on aging populations globally.
• The study highlights the need for locally relevant interventions to support older adults' mental health in Goa.
• This research provides a foundation for developing targeted strategies to prevent depression in this population.